Keep Your Dog Safe on Every Adventure Together
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or have a long trip planned as summer approaches, it’s important to be prepared if you plan on hitting the road with your dog by your side. Don’t forget to pack your four-legged friend’s bag and keep him or her safely secure while on the road.
Before You Go
Before hitting the road, make sure you have everything you need. It’s always a good idea to get copies of your dog’s rabies vaccine certificate before heading on your long trip together, especially if you’ll be crossing into Canada or passing through other states. It’s also recommended to get your pet microchipped if they are not already and make sure the contact information is up to date. In addition to microchipping, make sure your dog has updated tags on their collar with appropriate contact information listed.
If you know far enough in advance you’ll be taking a long trip or know as soon as you get your four-legged friend that you would like them to travel regularly with you, begin training them in the car. Introduce them to your car and take them for short rides, building up their ability to stay calm on the road.
Pack Up the Car
It’s the day of your trip and you’re packing up the car. As you remember all of your own belongings, don’t forget to go through your pet’s checklist too. Pack an extra ration of food in case you encounter travel delays. You’ll also want to pack enough water, their leash, waste bags, and any medications they may need such as anxiety meds or sedatives for the drive. Your pet may also want to have their favorite toy or blanket with them as they travel away from home.
When it’s time to load up your pet, make sure you keep them in either a large enough travel crate that they have room to stand and comfortably lay down in, or keep them secure in the backseat with a harness that attaches to your vehicle’s seat belt.
Tips to Keep in Mind
Avoid feeding your pet while the car’s in motion as they might get an upset stomach. It’s also best to give them a light meal 3-4 hours before you hit the road as you adjust their feeding schedule to accommodate your travel plans.
Be sure to plan your stops around pet-friendly areas. You never want to leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle. If it’s hot out, your car can easily become an oven and lead to your dog suffering from a heat stroke or worse. If it’s cold out, your car will quickly become an ice box and could also lead to your dog’s demise if left inside.
For more friendly tips and reminders, be sure to follow Winner Ford’s blog or sign up for our email notifications. Do you need a bigger vehicle to accommodate your furry friend joining your adventures? Stop by Winner Ford in Cherry Hill today and test drive the all-new Ford Explorer or Ford Edge!
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